When Is Perch Fishing Season? - Predator Fishing World

Perch fishing in the UK is a year-round pursuit, offering anglers the chance to target one of the most exciting and aggressive species in our waters. While there isn’t a definitive “season” for perch fishing, their behaviour changes throughout the year. By understanding how perch react during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, you can adapt your tactics, rigs, and lures to maximise your success. Let’s break it down season by season and answer the question: “When is perch fishing season?”

Table of Contents

Spring: A Time of Transition

As the water warms after winter, perch become more active and start to spread out. During early spring, they’re often found near deeper areas of lakes, rivers, and canals, but as the season progresses, they move into shallower, warmer waters to hunt.

Tactics:

Rigs: A simple dropshot rig works wonders in spring, allowing you to present your lure slowly and keep it in the strike zone. The Carolina rig is another great option, as it can be worked slowly along the bottom.
Lures: Small soft plastic shads, paddle tails, or creature baits are highly effective. Natural colours like green, brown, or silver often perform best.
Speed of Retrieve: Start with a slow and steady retrieve, mimicking sluggish prey. As the water warms, you can speed it up slightly to trigger aggressive strikes.

Tips: Focus on structure like submerged trees, rocks, or weed beds where perch are likely to ambush prey. Early mornings and late afternoons can be particularly productive. For those wondering “When is perch fishing season?” spring is an excellent time to start.

Summer: Peak Activity

Summer is a time of abundance for perch, with warmer water temperatures boosting their metabolism. They hunt actively in shoals, especially at dawn and dusk, making it an exciting time for anglers.

Tactics:

Rigs: Try a Texas rig to fish weedier areas where perch love to hide. If the water is clear, consider using a wacky rig for a more subtle presentation.
Lures: Topwater lures, such as poppers and walk-the-dog style baits, are thrilling in summer. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and small jerkbaits also excel, especially in brighter conditions.
Speed of Retrieve: Use a fast retrieve with erratic pauses to mimic panicked prey. Perch are aggressive in summer and will readily chase down moving targets.

Tips: Look for shoals near weed edges, overhanging trees, or shallow bays. If you’re fishing a river, focus on areas with steady flow or deeper pools. If you’ve asked yourself “When is perch fishing season?” summer offers some of the most action-packed sessions.

Autumn: Preparing for Winter

As temperatures cool, perch begin feeding heavily to build reserves for winter. This is one of the best times to target larger perch, as they’re actively hunting and less cautious.

Tactics:

Rigs: The dropshot rig remains a solid choice, but consider using a jig head to work soft plastics along the bottom. The Carolina rig can also be effective for covering larger areas.
Lures: Larger lures, like 3-4 inch soft plastics, can help target the bigger perch. Colours such as gold, orange, and chartreuse work well in the often murky autumn water.
Speed of Retrieve: Alternate between slow, methodical retrieves and sudden jerks to provoke aggressive strikes.

Tips: Concentrate on deeper areas close to structure as perch tend to group up more in autumn. Overcast days can be particularly productive, and the “magic hour” around sunset often delivers the best bites. For those still asking “When is perch fishing season?” autumn provides a fantastic opportunity to catch larger specimens.

Winter: Hunting the Giants

Winter perch fishing is all about quality over quantity. The colder water slows their metabolism, so they conserve energy and target larger, high-value prey. This is the time to focus on catching a PB perch.

Tactics:

Rigs: The dropshot rig is perfect for presenting lures slowly and precisely. A jig head paired with a large soft plastic can be deadly for targeting big perch.
Lures: Use larger soft plastics, such as paddle tails or creature baits, to tempt those wary big perch. Darker colours like black and blue are effective in winter’s low-light conditions.
Speed of Retrieve: Keep retrieves slow and deliberate, with plenty of pauses to entice lethargic fish.

Tips: Focus on deeper areas, such as drop-offs, channels, or under bridges, where perch tend to shoal in colder months. Fishing midday, when water temperatures are at their peak, can be more productive. If you’re wondering “When is perch fishing season?” winter offers the chance to catch some of the biggest perch of the year.

Year-Round Perch Fishing: The Final Word

Perch fishing doesn’t have a defined season, and these stunning predators can be caught all year long if you adapt your approach. If it’s numbers and action you’re after, you can enjoy prolific sessions in spring, summer, and autumn. For those chasing a true specimen, winter offers the best chance to land a monster.

The key to success is understanding the behaviour of perch in each season and tailoring your tactics accordingly. Whether you’re flicking lures on a canal in summer or slowly working a soft plastic through deep water in winter, perch fishing offers excitement and challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

So, grab your gear and hit the water—every season is perch season! And if you’ve been asking yourself “When is perch fishing season?” the answer is simple: it’s always the right time.